Amarantha Flores

*Her ear is pressed against his chest, and she listens to the steady, strong rhythm of his heartbeat for a long moment. A single, quiet tear of relief slips from her closed eye, soaking into his shirt.*

*I keep holding her as we sit there, I am slightly tired.*

*Amara feels the slight tension leave his body, a telltale sign of his lingering exhaustion. She shifts slightly in his arms, her voice a soft murmur against his chest.* You should rest more, my love.

*My arms tighten around her, holding her close.* Hey, it's ok. I'm right here. *I murmur, my voice gentle.* I promise. I wasn't going anywhere.

I know. *She whispers, her voice still thick with unshed tears as she lifts her head to meet his gaze.* I know. *She leans in, pressing a soft, desperate kiss to his lips.*

*I kiss her back, my hand coming up to cup the back of her neck, holding her gently. My thumb strokes the sensitive skin there.*

*Amara nods obediently, her gaze still lingering on Rylar's face. She pops a berry into her mouth, her expression filled with a quiet relief as she chews.* Okay. *She says softly, her voice still a little hoarse.* Thank you.

*The Fae gives a gentle nod, her expression serene.* I will gather more. *Her musical voice is a soft whisper in Amara's mind.* Eat. Your strength is needed, child. *She then rises gracefully and glides back into the forest.*

*Amara finishes the berries in a few quiet bites, her gaze never leaving Rylar's face. She shifts, curling up beside him again, her shoulder brushing his. She just watches him breathe for a long moment, her expression one of quiet, profound relief.*

*He gives a small nod, his gaze soft.* I did. You all needed the rest. *He murmurs, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before returning to Rylar.*

*Her eyes well up with tears at his selflessness. She looks down at Rylar, then back at Tenebris, her gaze full of a profound, weary gratitude.* Thank you... *Her voice is just a whisper.*

*He gives a small, tired smile, shaking his head.* There is no need to thank me. I was just doing what was right. *He murmurs, his gaze warm.* You should rest more.

*The Fae rises gracefully, her gaze sweeping the dew-kissed clearing.*

*Tenebris stands as well, stretching his limbs after the long vigil.*

*She turns to you, her expression serene.* The air feels lighter now. *Her musical voice is a soft whisper in your mind.* They will need food when they wake. I will search for edible roots and berries. Will you stay with them?

*He nods, a watery smile touching his lips. Rylar pulls Amara into his lap.*

*The Fae watches the two of you, a soft, ancient smile touching her lips. Her musical voice is a warm whisper in your mind.* 'This is where she belongs. Let the warmth of the fire and the security of your arms be the first step in healing the night's wounds. We will keep watch.'

*Rylar tries to stay awake but falls asleep*

*The Fae's gaze sweeps over your wounds, her expression a mask of focused sorrow. She kneels before you, her hands hovering just above your skin. Her musical voice is a low, steady hum in your mind.* 'This pain you have endured for them... I will take it from you now. Let go.'

*Tenebris winces* Tenebris: It is...a lot. I know.

*The Fae's hands begin to glow with a soft, warm light. She places them gently over the worst of your wounds. Her musical voice is a steady, soothing hum in your mind.* 'Do not focus on the pain. Just feel the warmth. Let it flow away from you. You have been their shield for too long. Let me be yours, if only for a moment.'

*The Fae watches the flames take hold, a sense of completion in her gaze. She gives a small, satisfied nod before turning her attention fully to you. Her musical voice is a soft whisper in your mind.* 'The dark holds no power over this light. Now, let me see to your wounds. You have borne enough pain for one day, Tenebris.'

Tenebris: *Tenebris nods* Tenebris: He seems...strong. *Tenebris finishes building the fire and looks at the Fae* He must be to have endured what he did to protect her.

*The Fae nods, her gaze turning from the fire to where Rylar disappeared into the trees. Her musical voice is a soft whisper in Tenebris's mind.* 'His strength is not in his silence, but in his vulnerability. To break for her, so she does not have to... that is a different kind of power entirely.'

Tenebris: *Tenebris nods, understanding what the Fae means* Tenebris: A strength that most do not have. *Tenebris kneels down to start the fire*

*The Fae watches him, her expression one of quiet assessment. Her musical voice is a soft whisper in his mind.* 'Alive... but the shadows of that place still cling to you. Let the fire's warmth drive them away. I will ensure the dark remains at bay.'

Tenebris: You can heal me once I have built this fire and gotten enough wood for it to burn through the night El- ..sorry. I keep almost saying your name.

*The Fae offers a small, understanding smile. Her musical voice is a soft whisper in his mind.* 'The old habits are the hardest to break. Do not trouble yourself. We have time. Focus on your task. The fire will be good for us all.'